By Courtney Trenwith

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Pilgrims hospitalised after torrential weather in Makkah

Seven people injured after tents collapse on foreign pilgrims staying near Saudi holy city

By Courtney Trenwith
A general view shows pilgrims performing evening prayers in Meccas Grand Mosque on October 8, 2013, as more than two million Muslims have arrived in the holy city for the annual hajj pilgrimage. The hajj, which is one of the worlds largest human assembly, begins on October 13 amid concerns over the deadly MERS coronavirus. (AFP/Getty Image
A general view shows pilgrims performing evening prayers in Meccas Grand Mosque on October 8, 2013, as more than two million Muslims have arrived in the holy city for the annual hajj pilgrimage. The hajj, which is one of the worlds largest human assembly, begins on October 13 amid concerns over the deadly MERS coronavirus. (AFP/Getty Image

Seven pilgrims were injured when tents collapsed during torrential weather in Makkah on Wednesday, local media has reported.

The pilgrims, believed to all be foreigners due to perform the Haj, were taken to hospital.

Hundreds of Islamic visitors are camping in and around Makkah to perform the once in a lifetime ritual, while others are housed in hotels in the city.

Civil Defence spokesman Colonel Abdullah Al Harthi told Arab News heavy rain had been expected and troops were sent in to assist, as well as rescue teams and evacuating people.

Meanwhile, more than 1500 Saudis have been caught attempting to enter the holy city without a Haj permit.

Al Obaid said 179 expats holding invalid residency permits and 10 Saudis accused of transporting unauthorised pilgrims also were detained.

“Illegals will be sent back after taking their fingerprints,” the general was quoted as saying. “We also sent back 5800 vehicles that are not licensed to enter the holy sites.”

He said expatriates caught without Haj permits would be deported and would not be allowed to return for 10 years.

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